President Donald Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday, congratulating him on his rise to power in the Communist Party of China.
During the 19th National Congress of the CPC, Xi was re-elected as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC. His political ideology — Xi Jinping Thought — was codified into the constitution, making his name synonymous with the party. Through purges that have brought down over a million officials, many of which are believed to be his political rivals, Xi has cleared the way for his allies to rise. The Chinese president has entrenched and solidified his position as the supreme leader, the “core” of the party, a powerful political figure whose authority is unassailable.
Trump congratulated Xi on his rise during a phone conversation, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Trump reportedly explained to Xi he paid close attention to the National Party Congress, as well as the policy messages presented. During the congressional gathering in Beijing, the Chinese president stressed the need to make China strong in a new era of Chinese leadership, asserting that the time has come for China “to take center stage in the world.” As Xi presented his vision for China, the Trump administration presented a competing vision for the Asia-Pacific region.
Trump recounted his call with Xi on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.
Spoke to President Xi of China to congratulate him on his extraordinary elevation. Also discussed NoKo & trade, two very important subjects!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2017
The president will travel to Asia next month, at which time he will travel to South Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In addition to discussing bilateral ties during his stay in Beijing, Trump is expected to bring up trade issues and the growing threat from North Korea.
Melania and I look forward to being with President Xi & Madame Peng Liyuan in China in two weeks for what will hopefully be a historic trip! pic.twitter.com/uFMonzza7N
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2017
Trump and Xi first met in Mar-a-Lago back in April. The positive meeting produced plans for improved trade relations and a course of action that would help to address the crisis on the Korean Peninsula. The spirit of that meeting quickly faded as old tensions resurfaced. Trump may be setting the stage for a friendly discussion, but the president has demonstrated that he is willing to antagonize China to advance U.S. national interests, from the South China Sea to intellectual property to Korea.
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